Analysis of Biomolecular Functions of the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus, that Enable Longevity and High Fecundity

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06074
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39050:Insect science-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Iuchi Yoshihito 山口大学, 大学院創成科学研究科, 教授 (60272069)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ヤマトシロアリ / 超長寿命 / 代謝調節 / 抗酸化システム / 遺伝子発現制御 / 尿酸 / コエンザイムQ10 / ビタミンE

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This is a study of biochemical approach how the longevity of the reproductives of the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus which has an extremely long lifespan of over 30 years among short-lived insects, is made possible by their longevity. Comparison of reproductive individuals (queens) and workers revealed that queens contain large amounts of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10, which acts in mitochondria, and vitamin E, which is important for antioxidant activity in membrane lipids. In addition, it was found that the worker's body turns on the biosynthesis of uric acid, which is thought to work as an antioxidant, when they are released from the colony, and that it is synthesized in large amounts by activating all genes in the glucose metabolism and uric acid synthesis pathway.

Free Research Field

食品機能化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

今までの長寿命研究はショウジョウバエやマウスなど、もともと極端に短寿命の動物を用いて行われてきた。ヤマトシロアリに代表される極端に長寿命な動物は、いかにしてその長寿命を可能にしているのか、その時に体はどうなっているのかについての情報は皆無であった。この研究によって、活性酸素に代表される酸化ストレスに対抗する強力な抗酸化システムを備えることが、我々にとっても長寿を実現する一つの方法となる可能性を示した。